ghc image size

[Albert Lai]

Mike Gunter <m@ryangunter.com> writes:

> Why is executable size a barrier?  1.64 megabytes (that's the size of
> the executable I built with GHC most recently) of disk space costs less
> than half a cent.

I don't like this argument.  Can I go to a computer store, pay a cent,
and get a hard disk with space 1.64 megabytes or more?  Until then, I
can't believe that 1.64 megabytes of disk space costs less than half a
cent.

When a compiler does not perform as good as other compilers (e.g., in
terms of generated code size), it is important to ask: Why does it
happen? Is there anything we can do to improve it?  Being critical is
the first step towards progress.  (Of course these questions should be
asked in a constructive rather than whining way.)  Why would anyone
optimize code for time --- a second of electricity and labour cost
less than a cent...